Kavumu, situated on the fringes of South Kivu’s bustling Bukavu, has grappled with the presence of armed groups in the neighboring Kahuzi-Biega Park since November 2018. Factions attack communities located on the outskirts of the park, taking advantage of breaches in the area of FARDC fortifications and their weak control over the area. The center of Kavumu is currently home to a significant number of young, vulnerable people. A large number of demobilized individuals, some of whom still carry guns and use them in rape incidents, are a contributing factor in the high rate of sexual assault against girls and women in this community.
The area’s reconciliation with surrounding territories where armed organizations continue to operate has caused a surge of young ex-combatants, women who have experienced sexual violence and children born from rapes. In response to these challenges, Let Africa Live plans to create a facility providing professional training and psychological support for rape victims and at-risk individuals, aiming for rehabilitation and financial independence through the development of income-generating activities.